District of Columbia Workers' Comp Benefits (2026)
How District of Columbia pays injured workers: the weekly rate while you recover, the 2026 maximum, and what each type of permanent injury is worth, with the statute behind each number.
What is different in District of Columbia
Schedule ratings may use the latest AMA Guides together with five factors: pain, weakness, atrophy, loss of endurance and loss of function. After 500 weeks of partial disability, a worker can petition for up to 167 more weeks if an independent examiner finds whole-body impairment above 20%.
Weekly benefits while you cannot work
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,852.07 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | 25% of the maximum (or actual AWW if lower); 2025 value $452.17, 2026 dollar figure not confirmed |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | No fixed week limit in statute |
Estimate your weekly check
What each injury is worth
| Injury | How it is paid | Max award |
|---|---|---|
| Back | wage loss | — |
| Neck | wage loss | — |
| Shoulder | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Knee | 288 weeks (as the leg) | $533,396 |
| Arm | 312 weeks | $577,846 |
| Hand | 244 weeks | $451,905 |
| Thumb | 75 weeks | $138,905 |
| Index Finger | 46 weeks | $85,195 |
| Leg | 288 weeks | $533,396 |
| Foot | 205 weeks | $379,674 |
| Big Toe | 38 weeks | $70,379 |
| Eye | 160 weeks | $296,331 |
| Hearing Loss | 200 weeks | $370,414 |
Permanent injuries in general
66 2/3% of the wage-loss difference, capped at 500 weeks (extension of up to 167 weeks if whole-body impairment exceeds 20%).
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: D.C. Code §§32-1505, 32-1508; D.C. Code §§32-1505(b), 32-1508(3)
- Office of Workers' Compensation, D.C. Department of Employment Services (official site)
- code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/32-1505
- code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/32-1508
- does.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/does/publication/attachments/Maximum-Minimum%20Co
- secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0452150045
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the District of Columbia workers' compensation agency.
Estimate only. Your real award depends on your doctor's rating, your wage records, offsets and settlement terms. This page is general information, not legal advice.